Rokycany District: Brdy, Padrť and culture

Alfons Mucha lived at Zbiroh Castle for 18 years and created the Slav Epic there. In Rokycany District, cultural landmarks like these meet the open landscapes of the Brdy and the natural and historical heritage around the Padrť ponds. If you are looking for a hotel, first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay: hiking and landscapes, a visit to Rokycany, or places connected with regional cultural history.

Brdy: open landscapes and the Padrť ponds

The Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area extends into the territory of the former Rokycany District. Forests cover 62 percent of Křivoklátsko, mainly deciduous and mixed woodland. The open landscapes of the Brdy around the Padrť ponds offer a different natural setting. Bogs and species-rich wet meadows lie around the Dolejší Padrť pond.

You can start the nature trail at the Padrť ponds from various points and walk it in any order; check current trail conditions before setting out. Its information panels focus mainly on the area's natural features. At the same time, the landscape bears the imprint of its former inhabitants. The villages of Padrť, Přední and Zadní Záběhlá, and Kolvín are among those that have disappeared.

For a day in the Brdy Protected Landscape Area, plan to bring food and drinks: there are no catering facilities or other services within the protected area. Check for current notices before you travel.

Starting points and getting your bearings

Strašice is the usual starting point for the hike to Lipovsko. The car park in Strašice also provides access to Lipovsko, Tři Trubky and the central Brdy area; you can also drive there from Rokycany. Check current parking conditions before you go.

An exhibition at the Dům přírody Brd in Tři Trubky introduces the Brdy, their history and legends, and their rare inhabitants. Check the latest visitor information before your visit. The car park in Skořice has toilets and e-bike charging facilities, and provides access to the Padrť ponds and the central Brdy area. As fees and facilities may change, check current conditions before travelling there.

Near Rokycany, the Kotel viewpoint offers views towards the Brdy, Šumava, Český les, Krušné hory and České středohoří. The blue-marked hiking trail to the viewpoint starts at Rokycany railway station. The viewpoint is free to visit and open year-round; nevertheless, check trail conditions and any temporary closures or restrictions before your visit.

U Plzeňské brány Park is right next to the railway and bus station in Rokycany. It features a labyrinth-shaped bench and a fountain; in hot weather, a water play area for children is also available. Park facilities may be maintained seasonally.

Cultural history in Dobřív and Zbiroh

The water-powered hammer mill in Dobřív is a Czech National Cultural Monument. A related exhibition on the history of iron production in Dobřív was created as part of its revitalisation in 2020. The Jindřich Mošna Memorial Hall has an exhibition dedicated to Mošna's life and work. The subjects range from iron production to the biography of a cultural figure.

Alfons Mucha lived at Zbiroh Castle for 18 years and created the Slav Epic there. At the rope park at Zbiroh Castle, the obstacles range from two to nine metres in height. Check in advance whether the rope park is currently open. The medieval tavern at Zbiroh Castle is known for its sirloin of beef and other specialities. Before your visit, check whether the tavern is currently operating and what food is on offer.

Choosing the right hotel location

If you mainly want to explore trails in the Brdy, take the relevant starting points into account; for a city and cultural itinerary, focus on the places you actually want to visit. Compare the location of any hotel you are considering with these destinations before making your choice.

Discover more places

Discover more destinations: Terešov, Tycek, Nevid, Radnice, Rokycany, Dobriv, Busovice, Zbiroh, Trebnuska, Břasy, Cheznovice, Ejpovice, Hlohovice, Holoubkov, Hrádek U Rokycan, Hůrky, Kamenný Újezd, Kařez, Klabava, Litohlavy, Mlečice, Mýto V Čechách, Osek, Podmokly, Újezd U Svatého Kříže, Volduchy, Sebečice, Březina U Rokycan, Cekov, Čilá, Drahoňův Újezd, Kakejcov, Lhotka U Radnic, Chomle, Kamenec, Kornatice, Lhota Pod Radčem, Liblín, Líšná, Medový Újezd, Mešno, Mirošov U Rokycan, Němčovice, Plískov, Příkosice, Přívětice, Raková, Sirá, Skomelno, Skořice, Smědčice, Strašice, Svojkovice, Štítov, Těně, Těškov, Trokavec, Vejvanov, Veselá, Vísky, Všenice, Pavlovsko, Zvikovec.

For the overview of the wider region: Pilsen.